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Washington Water Trust

About Us

Washington Water Trust is a nonregulatory, 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving and protecting stream flows and water quality throughout Washington state. We use voluntary, market-based transactions and cooperative partnerships to create balanced solutions. So fish, agriculture, business and wildlife—upon which we all depend--can thrive.

We lease and buy water from water rights holder, temporarily or permanently to leave instream, to improve and protect flows, especially during periods that are critical to the survival of imperiled salmon and steelhead. At the right time, at the right place, even just a small amount of water left instream can have an immensely positive impact.

Washington Water Trust also works to develop innovative solutions with water rights holders who are looking for a more cost-effective ways to use their water. A range of best practices exist--from more efficient irrigation methods and technologies, to more profitable crop cycles and selections, to more effective diversions, source switching from surface to groundwater, water banking and natural storage solutions.

Drawing from an extensive network of partnerships with agricultural producers, conservation districts, irrigation districts, land trust, landowners, legal experts, state agencies, tribes and other stakeholders, Washington Water Trust is able to bring to the table balanced, mutually beneficial ideas that are proven to work.

Our experience with land use, hydrology, water law and policy, project evaluation and economic valuation—and in cooperative conservation efforts and stakeholder dialogue--means we can create plans, policies and management strategies that benefit not only watersheds, but also water rights holders.

RESTORATION/CONSERVATION

Water right leases, sales, donations to the Trust Water Rights Program

Drought-year leasing programs

Point of diversion changes

Surface to groundwater changes

Diversion reduction agreements

Irrigation efficiencies

Reverse water right auctions

Conveyance system efficiencies

Water banking facilitation and mitigation strategies

Natural system storage

CONSULTATION/FACILITATION

Designing water right management alternatives

Engaging and convening

Leveraging funds for project that benefit stream flow

Facilitating public and private involvement

Providing education, outreach and support

Facilitating water use changes

Washington Water Trust is a nonregulatory, 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving and protecting stream flows and water quality throughout Washington state. We use voluntary, market-based transactions and cooperative partnerships…